Designers carved out a circular sitting area in the corner of the poolside patio. Sheltered from the weather, it commands the best water views. And for cooler weather, there's a fire pit.

The house presides like a noble monarch in the background of this enormous backyard. The gently sloping banks are punctuated by garden beds, picturesque stone walls and fence. And the pool is definitely where you'll be all weekend.

A low stone retaining wall gives the swimming pool a slight feeling of separation from the rest of the yard.

What was once an abandoned tennis court (that blocked views of the Long Island Sound, no less) is now a beautiful swimming pool and patio.